Trentino is one of the most loved ski destinations in the Alps. Here the slopes open up between the pink walls of the Dolomites, drop down from the Adamello glaciers and reach almost to the gates of Trento. There are large linked carousels, where you can ski for days without ever repeating the same run, and small, quiet ski areas, perfect for families and for beginners. In this guide we take you to discover the ski areas of Trentino, telling you where they are, how big they are and what character they have. We at Italy Holiday have been welcoming guests in this land for a long time, and these are the areas we would recommend to a friend arriving for the snow season.
1. Madonna di Campiglio, the great carousel of the Brenta Dolomites
Madonna di Campiglio is the most famous ski resort in Trentino, an elegant mountain town at about 1,550 metres, set between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello glaciers. Its slopes are part of a large linked ski area that joins Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo and the Folgarida-Marilleva area: more than 150 kilometres of runs served by dozens of lifts, all reachable with a single ski pass.
It is an area that pleases everyone: easy, wide runs for learners, demanding slopes for experts and spectacular views of the Brenta peaks. Skiing in Campiglio works for the whole winter, with the season usually running from December to April depending on snowfall. Always check the up-to-date lift openings on the ski area's official website before you set off.
2. Folgarida-Marilleva, skiing overlooking Val di Sole
Folgarida and Marilleva are two twin resorts that rise from Val di Sole and connect directly to the Madonna di Campiglio carousel. From here you can enter the same large Brenta Dolomites ski area, but with easy access from the valley floor and a more sporty, family feel. Val di Sole, which hosts these lifts, is a large alpine valley inside Stelvio National Park.
The slopes here are varied, with sections suited to beginners and longer runs for those who want to clock up the kilometres. Being linked to Campiglio means having a huge network of runs available with a single ski pass. The ski season follows that of the whole area, normally from December to April. Check the lift openings on the official website before you put your skis on.
3. Passo del Tonale and the Presena glacier, sure snow into spring
Passo del Tonale is a wide, sunny pass between Trentino and Lombardy, at about 1,880 metres, the heart of the Adamello Ski area. Its special feature is the Presena glacier, reached by climbing towards 3,000 metres, which guarantees sure snow for much of the winter and into late spring, when many other slopes have already closed.
From Passo Paradiso, at about 2,585 metres, starts the famous Paradiso black run, a long and panoramic descent loved by expert skiers. Tonale is a large area, with many wide, sunny slopes also suited to those just starting out. Its long season is precisely its strong point, but always check the opening of the glacier and the lifts on the official website.
4. Pejo 3000, high-altitude skiing in Stelvio National Park
In Val di Pejo, a side valley of Val di Sole inside Stelvio National Park, there is a small but high-altitude ski area. The slopes of Pejo 3000 rise to about 3,000 metres, on the flanks of Monte Vioz, with runs spread between roughly 1,400 and 3,000 metres. The high altitude offers quality snow and views over the great peaks of the park.
Pejo is also known for being the first ski area in the world to declare itself plastic-free, eliminating plastic plates, cups and bottles. The slopes are mostly of medium difficulty, with easy sections and a few black runs, so they suit just about everyone. Beyond skiing, the valley is famous for its thermal waters. Check the lift openings on the official website before your visit.
5. Paganella, slopes with Dolomite views near Trento
The Paganella ski area lies above the villages of Andalo and Fai della Paganella, on a plateau facing the Brenta Dolomites and just a few kilometres from Trento. The lifts climb to about 2,125 metres and serve a network of slopes designed for families and skiers of every level, with views ranging from the Brenta peaks far into the distance.
It is an area appreciated for its convenience: it is easy to reach, has a good mix of runs and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Its closeness to Lake Molveno and the plateau villages makes it a pleasant base beyond skiing too. The season follows the typical one of the Trentino Alps, from December to April. Check the up-to-date lift openings on the official website.
6. Val di Fassa, skiing in the heart of the Dolomites
Val di Fassa is a Ladin valley in the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by famous groups such as the Catinaccio, the Sassolungo, the Sella and the Marmolada. Its slopes are part of the great Dolomiti Superski circuit and are spread across several linked areas, including the Catinaccio one, reachable by cable car from Vigo di Fassa. Skiing here means having around you some of the most spectacular mountains in the world.
It is a paradise for those who love both the skiing and the scenery: runs for all levels, views of the Dolomite walls and welcoming villages such as Canazei and Moena. The peaks of the Catinaccio are famous for the enrosadira, the rosy glow that tinges them at dawn and dusk. The season usually runs from December to April. Check the up-to-date openings and connections on the official website.
7. Alpe Cimbra, easy skiing for families
Alpe Cimbra is a wide green plateau in south-eastern Trentino, gathering Folgaria, Lavarone and Luserna. Its ski area, with dozens of kilometres of slopes at altitudes between about 1,200 and 1,850 metres, is one of the most appreciated by families: gentle runs through the woods, magic carpets for children, beginner areas and many activities beyond skiing.
Here the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, away from the crowds of the big carousels. Beyond downhill skiing you will find cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and slopes for the little ones. The plateau also preserves the rare Cimbrian language and the forts of the First World War. The snow season normally runs from December to March. Check the up-to-date openings on the official website.
8. Monte Bondone, the mountain of Trento
Monte Bondone is the mountain that rises right above Trento, reachable from the city in about half an hour by car. Its small ski area offers a few dozen kilometres of slopes at altitudes between about 1,350 and 2,090 metres, with runs that are mostly easy and of medium difficulty, served by programmed snowmaking that guarantees snow throughout the season.
It is the ideal choice for those who want to ski without getting too far from the city, for families and for beginners. Its closeness to Trento, the modern facilities and the quiet atmosphere make it a pleasant home mountain. On the Bondone you will also find cross-country ski trails that cross the woods. The season usually runs from December to March. Check the up-to-date lift openings on the official website.
Where to stay for a ski holiday in Trentino
If you look at the map of these ski areas, you quickly understand that skiing in Trentino revolves around a few key valleys, and in many of these we welcome our guests. Val di Sole, with villages like Dimaro, is a perfect base for skiing at Folgarida-Marilleva and Passo del Tonale, while staying close to Pejo and the Campiglio carousel too. Val Rendena, at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, is the natural gateway to Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo.
Those looking for quieter, family-friendly skiing also find their ideal base: Alpe Cimbra, above Valsugana, combines easy runs through the woods with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the little ones' first days on the snow. From these valleys you reach the slopes in a few minutes in the morning and come back home to the warmth of accommodation designed to make you feel at home from the first moment.
We at Italy Holiday welcome guests right in these areas of Trentino, in comfortable and welcoming homes from which to set off each day towards the slopes. If you dream of a ski holiday among the Dolomites, discover where to stay near the ski areas of Trentino and pack your bags: the snow is waiting for you.
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